Nicki Minaj Sparks Social Media Frenzy with Tribute to Princess Diana
Nicki Minaj, the rap icon known for her fearless persona and chart-topping hits, found herself at the center of a social media whirlwind this weekend. The buzz began during her performance in Birmingham, England, when she made an unexpected tribute to the late Princess Diana.
Nicki Minaj and Princess Diana
While performing on stage, Minaj paused her concert to ask for a moment of silence for her “dear friend” Princess Diana. This unexpected gesture garnered a wide spectrum of reactions from both fans and critics. The incident unfolded when Minaj handed her signature pink microphone to a fan who revealed he was from Wales. Inspired by this, Minaj made an unanticipated connection to the late Princess of Wales.
Nicki Minaj’s ‘Dear Friend’
“Wales! It always reminds me of a dear friend of mine –– well, she’s not here anymore –– but the Princess of Wales,” Minaj declared in a British accent, as captured in a TikTok video. She then called for a “moment of silence” for the beloved royal, solemnly holding the microphone to her chest and looking down as the crowd grew momentarily quieter. However, the somber moment was fleeting; Minaj quickly resumed her performance, maintaining the British accent as she continued to list other UK cities.
Mixed Reactions to Nicki Minaj’s Tribute
The video of Minaj’s tribute quickly went viral, sparking a range of reactions online. Some fans found the tribute heartfelt. One user commented, “Our queen paying respect to Diana 🥺🥺,” while another added, “The moment of silence was so cute😭💞.” However, many were perplexed by Minaj’s claim of friendship with Princess Diana, who passed away in 1997 when the rapper was only 14 years old. One commenter under the TikTok video quipped, “A dear friend of mine 💀💀💀 girl been dead since 1997 😭.” Another user questioned, “Since when is the Princess of Wales a dear friend to her 🤔.”
The British Accent Controversy
Minaj’s attempt at a British accent also did not go unnoticed and drew its share of mockery. One user humorously noted, “Not Nicki’s dear friend lady Di 😂,” while another remarked, “I love your fake British accent tho QUEEN 😭😭😭.” Despite the criticism, some fans appreciated her effort to honor Diana. Minaj has previously expressed her admiration for the late royal. In 2023, she released a hit song titled “Princess Diana” with Ice Spice and credited her 2018 album “Queen” as being inspired by the Princess.
Weekend Drama: Arrest in Amsterdam
Adding to the weekend’s drama, Minaj faced legal troubles in Amsterdam on Saturday. She was arrested for suspected drug possession after officers found marijuana in her bags. Minaj shared the experience on Instagram, explaining that the drugs belonged to her security team. She was eventually released with a fine but had to cancel her Saturday night concert, for which she issued a heartfelt apology to her fans.
A Persistent Force in Music
Despite the mixed responses to her tribute, Nicki Minaj has not publicly addressed the criticism. Her bold and unpredictable nature continues to ensure she remains a prominent figure in the music industry. Loved or mocked, Minaj’s influence and presence in the entertainment world are undeniable.
